Kirby appears to have hinted who his starter would be if the season started tomorrow.

As the 2025 season looms large on the horizon, college football fans across the country are eagerly awaiting the developments surrounding their favorite teams. For the University of Georgia, one of the most anticipated storylines heading into the season is who will be under center, leading the offense as the starting quarterback. This question is especially crucial for a program like Georgia, where championship expectations are the standard, and the play of the quarterback can often determine the trajectory of the season.

Kirby Smart, the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs, has been known for his methodical approach when it comes to naming starters, particularly at the quarterback position. His leadership has turned Georgia into a perennial powerhouse in college football, with multiple SEC titles and a national championship under his belt. However, as the 2025 season rapidly approaches, it appears that Smart is giving fans and media alike a glimpse into who he may favor as the starting quarterback, should the season begin tomorrow.

In recent comments, Kirby Smart made some subtle remarks that seem to indicate which of his quarterbacks is currently at the forefront of the competition. While he hasn’t fully named a starter, his hints, body language, and strategic comments give us enough to infer who might have the edge as the 2025 season draws closer. In this article, we will break down the key aspects of this quarterback battle, the players involved, and what Smart’s comments suggest about the direction of the Georgia Bulldogs’ offense in the coming year.

The Importance of the Quarterback Position at Georgia

Before diving into Kirby Smart’s recent comments, it’s essential to understand the gravity of the quarterback position for Georgia football. Under Kirby Smart, Georgia has achieved significant success, but the one area where it has consistently faced scrutiny has been its quarterback play. From Jake Fromm, who led the Bulldogs to a national championship appearance, to Stetson Bennett, whose clutch play guided Georgia to its 2021 national title, the quarterback position has often been a central focus of the program’s success.

The quarterback at Georgia isn’t just responsible for running the offense. In many ways, the quarterback is expected to be the face of the program, capable of handling the pressure that comes with leading a team with championship aspirations. Smart’s ability to manage the quarterback position and ensure that the right player leads the team is critical, especially with so much talent surrounding the position on both sides of the ball. The Bulldogs are often stacked with talent at the skill positions—wide receivers, running backs, and a strong offensive line—meaning that the quarterback must be a game manager, capable of executing the offense efficiently and avoiding mistakes that could derail championship hopes.

In recent seasons, the quarterback situation at Georgia has been less than clear-cut, and Smart has made it a point to emphasize that the team will go with the best player who can help the team win, regardless of experience or name recognition. In 2025, however, it appears that Smart has more clarity on his starting quarterback, and based on his recent comments, it seems as if the competition is already beginning to settle.

The Quarterback Competition in 2025

Heading into the 2025 season, Georgia’s quarterback room is filled with potential. However, there is one notable absence: Stetson Bennett, the two-time national champion quarterback who has now moved on to the NFL. Bennett’s departure has created a void at the position, one that will require someone new to step up and take the reins. The competition for the starting quarterback position in 2025 is wide open, but a few key players have emerged as the primary contenders.

1. Carson Beck: The Veteran Presence

Carson Beck, a former five-star recruit, is one of the most experienced quarterbacks in the Bulldogs’ program. Having been with the team for several years, Beck has been a part of Georgia’s system long enough to understand its intricacies. Beck has shown flashes of brilliance during his limited playing time over the past few seasons, particularly when he filled in for Stetson Bennett during blowouts or injury spells.

Beck is a prototypical quarterback with a strong arm and impressive size, standing at 6’4” and 219 pounds. His physical traits have always been touted as elite, and he has the potential to lead Georgia’s offense with his ability to push the ball downfield. Beck’s experience with Georgia’s system, combined with his ability to read defenses and make quick decisions, makes him a prime contender for the starting role.

Although Beck has not yet been thrust into the spotlight as a full-time starter, the Bulldogs’ coaching staff has seen enough of him in practice to trust his ability to perform in big games. If Smart is leaning toward a more seasoned, reliable presence under center, Beck could be the choice to lead Georgia back to the promised land.

2. Brock Vandagriff: The Highly-Touted Talent

Brock Vandagriff is another quarterback in the running for the starting job. Vandagriff, a former five-star recruit from the state of Georgia, has always been highly regarded for his potential. With a mix of size, athleticism, and an ability to make plays with his legs, Vandagriff brings a dynamic element to Georgia’s offense that could elevate it to new heights in 2025.

Despite being relatively untested as a starter, Vandagriff has received plenty of praise from Smart and other coaches for his growth during his time in Athens. Vandagriff’s athleticism makes him a difficult player to defend, as he can create plays outside of the pocket with his legs while also possessing the arm strength to make any throw on the field. His dual-threat capability could allow Georgia to run more of an up-tempo offense, taking advantage of his mobility and versatility.

That being said, Vandagriff’s inexperience could be a factor in his bid to become the starter. Although his ceiling is incredibly high, Smart may be cautious about throwing a player with limited experience into the fire, especially when Georgia’s championship aspirations are on the line. Smart’s past history of prioritizing game management over raw talent may make Beck a safer bet, but Vandagriff’s potential cannot be overlooked.

3. Gunner Stockton: The Wildcard

While Carson Beck and Brock Vandagriff seem to be the frontrunners, Gunner Stockton is a name that has been floating around as a potential surprise candidate for the starting role. Stockton, another highly-touted recruit, has shown flashes of brilliance in his high school career and has the physical tools to succeed at the college level.

Stockton is perhaps the most untested quarterback in Georgia’s current room, having had very limited playing time in the early stages of his career. However, his athleticism and arm strength make him a dangerous weapon that could thrive in a high-pressure situation. His ability to make all the necessary throws while also being capable of picking up yards on the ground could make him an intriguing option for Smart as he looks for a quarterback who can make explosive plays in Georgia’s offense.

While Stockton is still a bit of an unknown quantity, it’s clear that he has the talent to push for playing time, and if Smart believes that Stockton is the future of Georgia football, he may give him a chance to win the starting job during the spring or fall.

Kirby Smart’s Recent Comments: A Glimpse Into His Thinking

In a recent press conference, Kirby Smart gave fans and media a slight indication of where he stands in the quarterback competition. While Smart remained tight-lipped about naming a starter, his comments suggested that Carson Beck may be the frontrunner heading into the season.

Smart acknowledged that Beck has had the most experience in Georgia’s system and that he had made significant strides in his development. He also praised Beck for his leadership and maturity, qualities that are vital for a quarterback at a program with championship aspirations.

At the same time, Smart also noted that Brock Vandagriff had shown significant growth and had continued to improve during the offseason. His athleticism and playmaking ability were acknowledged as strengths, but Smart emphasized that the competition was still ongoing, and no final decisions had been made. Smart’s message was clear: while Beck may have the edge due to his experience, there was still a path for Vandagriff or Stockton to make a push for the starting job.

Smart’s comments also reflected his commitment to finding the right fit for his offense. He stressed that the starting quarterback needs to be able to execute the offense efficiently, make the necessary reads, and manage the game without forcing plays. This focus on consistency and efficiency suggests that Smart may be leaning toward a more traditional pocket passer in Beck, but that doesn’t mean he is completely closing the door on the dual-threat capabilities of Vandagriff or Stockton.

The Bigger Picture: Georgia’s Championship Expectations

Whoever emerges as Georgia’s starting quarterback in 2025 will be expected to lead a team that has national championship aspirations. The Bulldogs return a talented roster on both sides of the ball, and their defense, led by one of the most feared units in college football, will be the foundation of their title hopes.

However, the quarterback position will still be critical. The Bulldogs will need a player who can make timely throws, avoid mistakes, and handle the pressure of leading such a talented team. Whether it’s Carson Beck’s experience, Brock Vandagriff’s athleticism, or Gunner Stockton’s potential, Georgia’s quarterback will have to be the player who can keep the offense humming and complement the defense’s efforts.

The decision Smart makes will be scrutinized by fans, analysts, and opposing coaches, but the key to Georgia’s success in 2025 will likely lie in finding a quarterback who fits the system and can manage the game with poise and confidence.

As the 2025 season approaches, Kirby Smart’s comments hint at a clear frontrunner in Carson Beck, but the quarterback competition is far from over. With the talented Brock Vandagriff and Gunner Stockton also vying for the job, it will be intriguing to see how Smart navigates the competition in the coming months.

Whoever wins the starting role will have big shoes to fill, but with Georgia’s talent-laden roster, they will have the tools to succeed. For Smart, the most important thing is finding a quarterback who can lead the Bulldogs back to the top of college football and continue their quest for national championships. It’s a high-stakes decision, but based on his recent comments, Smart seems to have a plan that will guide Georgia into the 2025 season with confidence.